West Bengal FREE Bus Travel Scheme For Women; QR Smart Card To Be Issued Soon; Check Eligibility & All Details

Big relief is coming for lakhs of daily commuters in West Bengal as the newly formed BJP government in the state has officially announced free bus travel for women across the state from June 1, 2026. The Transport Department has now issued a formal notification confirming that women will be allowed to travel free of cost in all state-run buses operating within West Bengal.

Free Bus Travel Scheme To Start From June 1

According to the official notification issued by the Transport Department on May 21, free transportation facilities will be available for women in all state-run buses across West Bengal from June 1, 2026.

The notification clearly states that the scheme will cover both short-route buses & Long route state-run buses along with public service buses under different categories operated by the state.

Several other Indian states including Delhi, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh already run similar free travel schemes for women. West Bengal is now set to join that list from June 1.

Women To Get Smart Card With QR Code

One of the biggest highlight of the scheme is the introduction of a special smart card system for women passengers. As per the notification, eligible women beneficiaries will receive:

• A Smart Card
• Digital QR Code
• Photograph and beneficiary details

The card will be issued after verification and will need to be submitted to the BDO/SDO office having jurisdiction over the applicant.
The Transport Department said the smart card system is being introduced to ensure smooth implementation and prevent misuse of the free travel scheme.

Eligibility Criteria For Free Bus Travel In Bengal

The notification states that all women residents of West Bengal will be eligible for the scheme. To apply, women may need to submit any one of the following identity documents:

• Aadhaar Card
• EPIC/Voter ID Card
• PAN Card
• Driving Licence
• Passport
• Birth Certificate
• Service Identity Card
• Government-issued photo identity proof

Officials clarified that women can also immediately avail the free bus ride facility even before the smart card issuance process is completed.

What Is 'Zero Value Ticket'?

Until the smart card system becomes fully operational, women passengers will receive a "Zero Value Ticket" or thermal paper ticket from the conductor during travel. Women commuters may have to show their ID card to the bus conductor for verification purposes while availing the free ride benefit.